The board focused on the details surrounding the installation and design of the new study pods, which are set to replace the existing DVD wall on the main floor near the service desk. The grant allocates $135,000 specifically for the study pods, with additional funds set aside for furniture acquisitions. The board assessed proposals from several vendors, ultimately recommending “Your Space” due to the customizability and accessibility of their pods.

The decision to install study pods was influenced by the growing demand for private spaces where patrons can engage in meetings, tutoring, and small group studies, particularly since the onset of the pandemic. The board discussed the necessity of a reservation system to manage access to these pods efficiently. A member expressed enthusiasm for the project, remarking on the long-standing desire for such study spaces. The pods will feature half-glass door designs, ensuring safety and visibility from the service desk, especially important for those working with children.

Financial discussions highlighted the variance between the budgeted amount and the actual proposal costs, with assurances that any budget changes would require approval by the Mellon Foundation. The grant is available until March 2029, allowing flexibility in planning and implementation. Installation is tentatively scheduled for April or May, with potential delays pushing it to September, following the summer reading program.

In conjunction with the study pod initiative, the board approved Resolution 20257, which involves utilizing the library’s fund balance for door automation. This project includes the installation of electric strikes on the west library entrances to enhance security and streamline access management. The library director, in collaboration with the city IT director, recommended these upgrades as part of a broader effort to align the library’s security systems with other city buildings.

The board reviewed project quotes, selecting a bid of approximately $7,350 for the electric strike installation. The new system would transition library staff from traditional key access to ID badge entry, providing enhanced security and entry time logging capabilities. This aligns with broader safety protocols, which were emphasized during discussions about past security incidents at the library. The board unanimously supported the motion to approve the use of the fund balance for this purpose.

Beyond these key projects, the board addressed several other updates and resolutions. Resolution 20254 accepted a $2,500 grant from the Traverse duu Regional Library board’s Arts and Culture Heritage Fund. This grant will fund performances by the Nintend Tunes video game jazz orchestra, offering music spanning 40 years of video gaming across four locations in Brown County.

The board also reviewed the 2024 Minnesota public library annual report for New Ulm Public Library, as required by state law. This report, prepared by the library director, included sections on interlibrary loan statistics, which had seen a decline due to a software migration. The report’s preparation was acknowledged for its comprehensive summary of the library’s performance and activities over the past year.

The board discussed library programming metrics, noting an increase in participation following a reclassification of certain activities from “self-directed” to “programs.” This change reflects the nature of activities such as the adult winter reading program and art groups as facilitated gatherings. Additionally, the library’s recorded program content experienced a temporary spike in views due to inclusion in YouTube playlists in Asia.

In other updates, the board announced the appointment of Jane Evers from the Comfrey Library to the Traverse duu Regional Library board for Brown County, bringing a new perspective from a smaller library. The Memory Lab’s usage had increased, with ongoing projects managed by Leroy.

February programming included a special storytime event on February 14, featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The library planned to close on February 17 for Presidents’ Day, reopening on February 18. Another event on February 22, hosted by the Narin group, would feature a storytime and craft session, continuing an annual tradition for children.